The Marrow Thieves Novel Study- worksheets/assessments - BONUS FILE - Indigenous

Various worksheets and assessments for the novel The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.

ACTIVITY 1: PRE-READING ACTIVITY

Pre-Reading activity to introduce The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

- reviews the definition of marrow

- has students compare/contrast Western and Indigenous Worldviews by watching a video

- answers/video notes included.

ACTIVITY 2: IMPACTS OF COLONIZATION

Help students with their understanding of the novel while reading

- reviews the definitions of colonization, assimilation, cultural appropriation and reconciliation

- has students watch 45 minute documentary on colonization in Canada and take notes (link to watch included)

- answers/video notes included.

ACTIVITY 3: DREAMS AND VISIONS

Help students with their understanding of the novel, reflect on themselves and make connections to the real world

- has students reflect on the importance of dreams

- has students watch short videos about lessons on dreams from Indigenous peoples and a music video created by Indigenous youth about dreams

- mark consideration provided

ACTIVITY 4: REAL WORLD CONNECTIONS

Help students with their understanding of the novel and make connections to the real world

- has students reflect on the importance of dreams

- has students watch short videos about lessons on dreams from Indigenous peoples and a music video created by Indigenous youth about dreams

- mark consideration provided.

ACTIVITY 5: IMPORTANT QUOTATIONS

Help students with their understanding of the novel, reflect on ideas and make connections to the real world

- students respond to 2 of 5 provided quotations by personally reflecting and making real world connections

- quotes cover themes of family, sacrifice, healing and dreams

- mark consideration provided.

ACTIVITY 6: CHAPTER QUESTIONS

- 51 chapter questions with 1 final reflection question

- titles of each chapter provided with page ranges

- blank space provided for students to record their responses

- answers included

ASSESSMENT 1: OPINION PIECE WITH RESEARCH

Opinion Piece / Short Essay assignment based on the novel The Marrow Thieves. There is only a small connection to the novel; it is more focused on contemporary Indigenous issues. It is not necessary to make a connection to the novel and can easily be adapted.

This could also be used to teach students essay writing before the literary essay and/or before researching their own topics for a new essay.

- There are 2 topic options for students to choose from: environmental impact in Indigenous communities and how the Canadian government has failed Indigenous children

- Opinion Statement/Thesis provided for each topic

- Steps provided for students to follow along/stay on track throughout the process

- 3 different news articles provided for each topic - students read the news articles to find information to include in their assignment (total of 6 news articles provided)

- 2 different graphic organizers included: a Research Planner based on the information in the news articles and a Sentence-by-Sentence Organizer for students to form the final copy

- Editing Checklist and Rubric included

ASSESSMENT 2: LITERARY ESSAY

Literary Essay outline for students studying the novel

Includes 3 essay topics to choose from with 6 steps for students to complete:

1) Choosing a Topic

2) Creating a Thesis

3) Arguments and Quotations

4) Body Paragraphs

5) Introduction Paragraph

6) Conclusion Paragraph

- All of the steps include clear instructions and full worksheets for students to fill in throughout the entire process.

- MLA Format steps included to properly format the essay, form a Works Cited page, and how to cite and insert quotations.

- Rubric included

BONUS FILE

Reading schedule/recommendations for each day of reading and completing the worksheets

All tasks were designed for an NBE3C course in the Ontario curriculum (Grade 11 College Preparation English: Indigenous Voices), but can easily be used in/adapted for other courses.

SELLER NOTE: In my 12 years of teaching, my main subject focus has been Indigenous Studies and integrating Indigenous history, culture and perspectives into all subjects of the curriculum. While I am not an Indigenous person, I have endeavoured as a settler ally to make connections to nearby Indigenous communities and Knowledge Keepers, and have taken numerous courses to learn as much as I can to pass on to students. I have also worked with and supported First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth through alternative education programs connected with Friendship Centres and as a Student Success Teacher/Grad Coach. I am also currently pursuing my Master of Education with a focus on Indigenous Education. While I think this is a great resource, I encourage you to connect with your Indigenous Education department in your school board to ensure teaching and learning experiences are authentic. Thank you, miigwech.